Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned space scientist and communicator, joins cosmologist Roberto Trotta and comedian John Bishop for a captivating discussion. They explore the deep connection between humanity and the stars, examining how celestial bodies have shaped our civilization and culture. Trotta highlights early astronomers, particularly women, linking lunar cycles to human biology. The conversation also touches on the transformative journey from viewing stars as divine to scientific discoveries, and how stargazing enhances our understanding of the universe and ourselves.
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First Astronomers
A baboon leg bone carved with 29 notches suggests early lunar calendars.
This links the moon's cycle with women's menstrual cycles, possibly making women the first astronomers.
insights INSIGHT
Myths and Knowledge
Myths and stories about the night sky reflect cultural interpretations and valuable knowledge.
The moon, often personified as female (Selene), embodies this connection.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Songlines and Stars
Australian Aboriginal peoples used songlines, incorporating star positions for navigation.
These routes influenced later settlements and even modern highways.
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This book is an ultimate insider's guide to the night sky, written by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock. It takes readers on a tour of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, exploring the science, history, culture, and romanticism behind these celestial bodies. The book includes advice on naked-eye observation, recommendations for 'dark sky' locations, and tips on astronomical equipment. It also features beautiful illustrations and an easy-to-read sky map, making the night sky accessible to both budding stargazers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Starborn
Starborn
Katie Macalister
Brian Cox and Robin Ince consider how different our understanding of the universe would be without the stars. They are joined by Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Roberto Trotta and comedian John Bishop who illuminate all that we have learnt from the stars and how different life would be without them.
Every culture has looked up at the night sky, but why are we so drawn to the pin pricks of light in the sky above us all and how have they helped shape human civilisation? Roberto Trotta takes us back to the origins of astronomy, to women who he believes were the first astronomers, linking the orbital period of the moon with the length of the menstrual cycle. We continue the historical journey, through the astronomical greats, Galileo, Copernicus and Kepler, who all in part owe their scientific discoveries to the stars. Our panel marvel at how we, an infinitesimally small part of the universe, are able to look up at the stars and comprehend what is beyond and how this stargazing has profoundly shaped our sense of selves as well as underpinned science as we know it.
Producer: Melanie Brown
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
Researcher: Olivia Jani
The Infinite Monkey Cage 
